Album review: THE ALARM – War

THE ALARM - War

The Alarm [Release date 26.02.21]

The Alarm are back with a new album, written and recorded in isolation, which physically arrived with fans six weeks from its inception thanks to a special limited edition blank CD-R they can burn themselves. The music was sent electronically on February 25th (Mike Peters’ Birthday), a day earlier than the official release. The Alarm, like the Levellers and Marillion, have created their own ‘fan world’ where they can pull off innovations like this and keep the loyal fans happy. In a nod to the band’s past the album’s title is of course raw spelt backwards, the title of the band’s 1991 album and the last one to feature the band’s original line-up.

Joining Mike Peters are his wife Jules Jones Peters (keys), James Stevenson (guitar), Craig Adams (bass) and Steve “Smiley” Barnard (drums).

‘Protect & Survive’ certainly sets the album’s stall out – ‘280 ways to start a war’, ‘280 ways to infect us all’ – a reference to that popular social cesspit of opinions that is Twitter. The album’s subjects as you’d expect cover the pandemic, politics and above all hope, something that has always run strong through the songwriting of Mike Peters. Indeed, ‘We Got This’ has a positive message despite the current global pandemic. Nice bit of 80’s approved synth on this one too!

‘Warriors’ goes EDM midway through, although the typical Alarm rabble rousing guitar and rhythm drive the song along nicely.Jim Stevenson certainly makes his mark on this one and the rest of the album has plenty of guitar grit.

‘Still Unsafe’ (another nod to the band’s past and the classic ‘Unsafe Building’) is the weakest song on the album, although a slower song it just lacks the passion and sonic assault of the rest of the album.

There is a cover, namely Massive Attack’s ‘Safe From Harm’, which features Skindred’s Benji Webbe trading vocals with Mike Peters. Check out the video for this one to see the passion and fun both singers have on this one.

If Mike Peters and the Alarm form a political party they’d certainly get my vote. Music for the here and now, with lyrics and emotions we can all relate to. Perfect. ****1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Josh Taerk Sunday Sessions 2024

Latest session: Sunday 25 February
Next session: Sunday 14 April

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio



David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 3 March 2024.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 5 March 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 18 March 2024

GYPSY’S KISS We’ve Come To Play
FM Out Of The Blue (Frontiers)
SHOTGUN MISTRESS Shot Down (indie)
ATTIC THEORY Violent Delight (indie)
FLOYA Yume (FiXT)
SAHAJI Tell Me All Your Feelings (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 18 March 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023
12:00-13:00 LEAVES’ EYES Myths Of Fate (AFM Records)
14:00-16:00 HOLLY LERSKI Sweet Decline (indie)


To see our Tweets you need to be logged in to a Twitter account



Popular (last 10 days)


This entry was posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply